Highline Trail Reviews | U.S. News Travel More than 3 million people visited Glacier National Park last year. In 2023, Glacier National Park requires all visitors to get a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road between May 26 and September 10. West Glacier, MT 59936. The Highline Trail is a popular hiking trail located in Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. The day hiking category represented the highest percentage of SAR calls. After the cliff section of the trail, you will walk through a small scree field. Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. I am looking at visiting Glacier NP in September. more, #4 of 59 things to do in Glacier National Park. We arrived this week at Logan Pass to park at 815a, in summer you want to be earlier. The 20-year-old man, identified as Josh Yarrow, was attempting. It is possible to spend the night here. Reach the Missoulian newsroom at @missoulian, at newsdesk@missoulian.com or at (406) 523-5240. Charles Fred Huseman, 64, of Packwood, Wash., died June 26 while hiking the Highline Trail, which was closed at the time due to snow hazards. For the rest of us, there is a very poor shuttle system or taking a chance on parking. On the left side is a drop-off to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Once it was a good thirty feet away from the trail, Kara and I continued on our way. This part of the hike is also called the Garden Wall. Technology, he says, should not be relied upon because batteries die and cell service often isn't available. Hiking Time (estimate): Allow 2 -3 hours to reach Haystack Pass, 1 hour for lunch, and 2- 2 hours to return. TikTok endangers the safety of Montanans and Americans at large," saidSen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade. The Highline Trail is a scenic hiking trail in Glacier National Park, Montana, United States. We arrived at Logan Pass at 7:45 am. Learn more here. This is an extremely popular trail in Glacier National Park. Distance: 11.6 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 800 feet Elevation Loss: 3000 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours When to go: This hike is open when Going-to-the-Sun Road is open, usually late June/early July to the middle of October. Map of the Highline Trail. On Aug. 13, 1967, two women, Julie Helgeson and Michele Koons, died in separate grizzly bear attacks in different locations on the same evening, an event that's became known as Night of the Grizzlies. A climber died after falling from the Dragon's Tail in Glacier National Heres How it Went. Once here, the views are amazing and its a mostly downhill walk to Granite Park Chalet. Going up is optional. IMPORTANT: The trail can close due to grizzly bear activity in the area. If you note the Glacier Park Destination Experts listed at the right hand side of the forum pagemany of those are avid and athletic hikers.with hiking friends. The search was akin to a looking for a needle in a haystack because nobody knew where Rigby was headed, Gabriel said. Expect high traffic here, especially on the first section, all day long. This definitely varies depending on your hiking speed, how many stops you make, as well as how long your stops are, but for us, hiking the Highline Trail to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook and back took about 8 hours total. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We did not back up because I did not want to lose sight of it. We ended up waiting about 35 minutes. Logan Pass has a very large parking lot, a visitor center, a water fountain, and restrooms. We hiked this on an absolutely beautiful day - great weather and we were excited to finish our week on a high note. In Glacier, those who prepare and work their way up to more complex climbs do well, Gabriel said. Most of the climbing accidents in Glacier don't involve technical climbing using ropes and other equipment. Highline and Swiftcurrent Pass Trail | Map, Guide - Montana | AllTrails I dont have a favorite because they were both very good for different reasons. One thought I had was to show up bright & early to Logan Pass, have my husband drop all of us off, then he could drive back to the Loop parking lot and hope there's other people there driving back to Logan Pass he could catch a ride with, perhaps offer $20 for a ride??? (haha), Glad we could help! Bring plenty of food: I ate breakfast and still consumed the following on the trail: 1 cheese sandwich (3 thick slices) 3 bars (RX & Zing) 1/2 apple. There are pit toilets but no water. He says visitors should be ready to spend the unexpected night out by carrying extra water and food. After waiting about 30 seconds, the bear moved further into the brush. That said, once you get out there the experience and the views are unbeatable. BOX 330 More Information about Glacier National Park & the USA, Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Hiking the Highline Trail at Glacier National Park (Routes + tips!) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In 1999, a 74-year-old man stepped over a retaining wall on Going-to-the-Sun Road to take a picture, lost his balance and fell 500 feet to his death. So I guess that's what we'll plan on doing too! Men far outnumbered women in those categories, too. Quick question can we do the hike from the loop to the Chalet or the overlook for grinnell and come back to the loop? Trailhead address: Going-To-The-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Browning, MT 59417. It seems like the hike up from Logan pass is closed because of snow. He was climbing with three other climbers when he apparently lost his balance near the edge of a cliff and fell roughly 1,000 feet, according to the initial investigation and witness reports. Most recently, 21-year-old Matthew Needham fell 60 feet to his death while climbing Grinnell Point near Many Glacier on July 25. This is one of the biggest decisions of the day. My Husband and a 2 others in our party hiked up the 0.6 mile section that overlooks Grinell Glacier. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Hiking the Highline Trail Out-and-Back: You can do this hike out-and-back from Logan Pass, saving yourself a trip on the park shuttle. This first mile is one of the best parts of Highline Trail. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Thanks for all the great information and photos to help plan our trip to Yellowstone and Glacier in late July. We weren't all that impressed considering the great reviews. From beginning to end, the trail offers views of Glacier . The Highline Trail has not yet opened for the summer because of the snow danger. The Spring Brook Ranch is home to Montanas largest yak farm, along with a 2,000-pound camel named Carlos and several other livestock animals. The Highline Trail has not yet opened for the summer because of the snow danger. Park officials said the 64-year-old man likely slipped on snow still covering the trail about a mile west of Logan Pass, in the Rim Rock area. WEST GLACIER - A Washington state man hiking alone on Glacier National Park's Highline Trail apparently fell to his death Wednesday afternoon. Check the status of the trail before you go. In a single month between June 26 and July 25, four people died of trauma in Glacier National Park. Both of these bear sightings were between Granite Park Chalet and the Loop. "The idea is not to paralyze people with fear, it's just to make them more comfortable with what they can and can't control," McEvoy said. Although the death of one man remains under federal investigation as a possible crime,. Alternate route: You can instead start at The Loop (shuttle stop), hike up to the Granite Park Chalet, and then hike an additional 0.8 miles to the beginning of the overlook trail for a total of 6.8 miles. Do you have any thoughts on that? The Loop has a smaller parking lot that can accommodate roughly 20 cars. However we had to share the trail with a couple mountain goats who were quite stubborn about moving. A trail crew member came pretty close to dying on that trail last year. There are not many opportunities to filter water on the Highline Trail, especially in late season. Washington State Man Dies At Glacier National Park, Possibly From Fall Off Highline Trail By NPT Staff - June 27th, 2013 Glacier National Park authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a 64-year-old Washington state man who might have slipped in snow along the Highline Trail and fallen to his death. Or, if you dont mind getting up early, you should be able to get to Logan Pass and park before it fills up. Hike 7.5 miles on a pleasantly gradual trail to get to the overlook trail. Their deaths offer a sobering reminder of the perils involved in off-trail exploration. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. I can't really park at St. Mary's and take that first shuttle as then I have no way to get back to my car lol. 2023 Cable News Network. The bear had no place to go except down the trail, McKnight told the paper. However, the advantage of parking here is that once you are done your hike, you do not have to wait for the shuttle to take you back to your car. Fun trail, different where you have to hold on to a garden house that's affixed to the wall for you to hold as you traverse the narrow high line passage to get to the other side of the trail. Water: There is a potable water fountain between the bathrooms at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Of course my husband would be prepared to wear a mask while riding with other people. On June 23, 1996, a rock slide crushed a car and killed the driver, a tourist from Japan who saw the boulder and tried to back the vehicle away but not in time. Views are iconic. Any advice is welcome! Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. It's very safe but not for everyone. They are climbing routes and scree fields. In July and August, we hike there every Tuesday. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The free park shuttle stops at both locations. The Loop is located 7.75 miles down the west side of the Divide. Doing it in this direction makes it a more enjoyable, overall downhill hike. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK ITINERARY: How many days do you need in Glacier? This hike can be done in either direction. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Phillips says. But Kara and I hike fast, so within a few miles, we passed many of the hikers and were almost on our own. Its much safer to use your own voice. Its not far from Logan Pass, which is popular with visitors and the highest elevation in the park that can be reached by car. This was our second bear encounter in two days in Glacier National Park. The Highline Trail is one of Glacier National Parks best day hikes. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. I loved staying here. Since I posted this question, I've found several other posts regarding this issue. Get updates on trail closures here. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Highline Trail - Going To The Sun Road Guided Day Hike - Glacier Institute The Highline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the national park, so don't expect much solitude. The Highline Trail is a moderately challenging hike that is approximately 15.2 miles in length, with an elevation gain of 1,950 feet. There are also some great hiking trails in Two Medicine, but we have not been to this part of the park yet, so Im not very familiar with them, but they do look great in photos. It is about three miles round trip and can be a bit strenuous due to some elevation. P.O. By Elizabeth Earl. My question is about safety and how many people there's likely to be going down to Swiftcurrent in the afternoon - bears or if I had some issue. Budget at least 90-120 minutes each way. You can cancel at any time. Highline Trail is ranked #12 out of 18 things to do in Glacier National Park. In a statement released late Wednesday, Glacier Park spokeswoman Denise Germann said park dispatchers received a call from a ranger requesting emergency assistance at about 3:40 p.m. A hiker from Richmond, Virginia, was found dead in Montana's Glacier National Park days after she was reported missing, officials said. Deaths a Stark Reminder of Glacier Park's Peril - Flathead Beacon Theres rain expected on Monday so am hoping that helps some of the chunks of ice/snow to melt/disperse by the time i am there on Tue/Wed. He slipped while crossing a snowfield in the Rim Rock area about one mile west of Logan Pass, then fell 100 feet and landed on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, witnesses told park rangers. AllTrails says closer to 8.5 hours, so we suggest planning for between 8-9 hours just to be safe. Vinter i USAs nationalparker About those bear bells: We were told by a park ranger to leave those bear bells at home. We did not see bear. 2 cause of death in Glacier is heart attacks (41). They were unable to resuscitate the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Not far past the Chalet is the detour to the Grinnell Glacier overlook. We got to Logan Pass at 7:10 AM and got one of the few remaining parking spaces. If it were me, Id go hiking in Many Glacier or Two Medicine if you cant do the first part of the Highline Trail. The ranger administered CPR and used an automated external defibrillator, with help from bystanders. One, and most importantly, the first quarter mile is quite scary. Hello, I am planning an Aug trip to GNP and can do one big day hike. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, 2 men accused of shooting 2 teens make initial appearance in court, Far-right law-and-order bills hit the Montana Legislature, East Helena teen arrested after allegedly pointing gun at other youths, Helena vacancies clogging housing pipeline, Nonprofit advocacy group closes after 22 years, Helena man arrested after allegedly shooting gun into occupied vehicle, Helena man sentenced to 10 years in prison for child rape, UPDATE: Montana State Prison escapee caught, Helena non-tenured teachers, administrators notified of possible non-renewals, Burton picked to be new Helena city manager, Bill to block Montanans from accessing TikTok clears Senate committee, Forever a Bruin: After 20 years, Sue Bannon leaves a transformed Capital cheer program behind, Former FBI agent sentenced for stalking, obstruction charges, Bill restricts attorney fees for prescriptive easements, Westside subdivision heads back to Helena commission with planning board approval, Judge permanently blocks MT's parental consent abortion law, orders trial on notification, Alaskas Iditarod kicks off with ceremonial start, Global race is on to improve EV range in the cold, Dogs, mushers prep for Iditarod as PETA accuses racers of animal abuse. Ty, So i am doing Grinnell glacier hike on day 2 and iceberg lake on day 3. To get a parking spot, you will need to arrive early (before 7:30 am). Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The views were simply amazing!! Three miles past Logan Pass, you will come to Haystack Pass. Each year, a few of those visitors never return home. Jennifer Lutman, a spokeswoman for Glacier Park, said climbing, scrambling and peak bagging are recognized as activities inside the park but are not recommended. Records show visitors sometimes run into trouble without venturing far from established roads and trails. Its also possible to see black bear or grizzly bear. If you would like a more strenuous hike, continue down the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet (15.2 miles out and back), or all the way down to The Loop trailhead (11.8 miles total). If you have any questions about hiking the Highline Trail or if you want to share your experience, comment below! Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park for more great things to do in the park. The pass forms the saddle between Haystack Butte and the southeastern flank of Mt. - The popular Highline Trail at Logan Pass is open to foot travel, but some of the trail is still covered by snow and ice. Of the leading causes of death in Glacier National Park, drowning ranks first, but climbing fatalities are not far behind, and are much more common than bear attacks the main source of trepidation for most visitors. By going early you also get the benefit of hiking in the morning sun, and watching the light change as it dances on the mountains. Germann said more details on the accident will be shared once park officials complete their investigation. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The 8 miles at the top was fairly easy, not much elevation change. Because of this, parking lots are filling much earlier than typical years. Travel Time/Distance: 1 hour and 15 minutes/32 miles from Glacier National Parks west entrance. A helicopter search crew found his body in an inaccessible area and the cause of death was not known, but animal attack was not suspected, the statement said. Insufficient information/error in judgment accounted for 19 percent of the search and rescues nationally in 2012. For almost 12 miles, this trail takes hikers high above Going-to-the-Sun Road, with stunning views of the park and a chance to see glaciers, alpine wildflowers, and wildlife. Ive been involved in search and rescue for decades now and something you see time and time again in fatalities and serious accidents is a series of benign errors that when taken into totality lead to catastrophe, Gabriel said. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We have just returned from Kalispell and Glacier. Whether y, We're definitely feeling cabin fever up here at Gl, Friendly Reminder Thanks! He says the park conducts an orientation to returning employees of the park's major consessionaires that covers safety and preparation for recreating in the park. For the next several miles, the trail weaves in and out of small forests, through fields of wildflowers, and across scree slopes. While Glacier is not a destination for technical climbing, it is a mecca for mountaineering because of its fantastic peaks. The word "loop" denotes its usual endpoint at Loop Trailhead. We will be with someone who is scared of drop offs but willing to hike until it becomes too nerve wracking for her. I'm considering doing a one day hike from Logan Pass to the Swiftcurrent (1.5 mile shorter) on 17 or 18 September - by myself. Garden Wall Trail to Glacier Overlook | Glacier National Park I really want to do this guided with a ranger. The trail follows the Garden Wall ridge and the continental divide for most of its length. When you return to Logan Pass, cars will be circling looking to take your spot! Stromatolites formed in the bottom of an ancient shallow, warm body of water known as the Belt Sea. Sign up for Outside+ today. "We have this skewed image sometimes of what's going to get you.". From the Grinnell Glacier detour, its less than one mile of hiking to get to Granite Park Chalet. In Aug. 13, 1913, Calvis Ingram Fletcher, a world traveler and physician from Indianapolis, was hiking alone in Glacier National Park when he died after being struck by snow and ice on Blackfoot Glacier. How To Hike The Highline Trail In Glacier National Park McEvoy, of Aerie Backcountry Medicine, says the vast majority of injuries and illnesses that occur are relatively minor, such as blisters, scrapes, cuts, contaminated food and water, and also preventable. Sounds like people do this sort of thing all the time. Lucas. Dragon's Tail/Mt. Reynolds Questions : r/GlacierNationalPark We had a rental car and we found that to be the most efficient way to get around. There are several books out there that show various routes but it is easy to get confused. Death on Highline Trail - Glacier National Park Forum The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. There is Avalanche Lake on the west side of the park (short and easy). The rock in Glacier is constantly changing. Showing results 1 - 90 of 5157. Any ideas on how we could still use the loop?? Or maybe there's some way I could post for a hiking companion. They were unable to resuscitate the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Hiker falls to death on Glacier National Park's Highline Trail. All have inherent hazards and costs and benefits. These glaciers were more than a mile thick, rising to the peaks of the westward mountains across the valley including Mt. The incident is under investigation by the National Park Service. If expansive vistas and alpine meadows excite you, look no further than the Highline Trail! I felt like I wanted to stop every 20 feet to take pictures, but eventually had to stop doing that in order to finish the hike in a timely manner! You will still have some company on the trail because other avid hikers also love that quieter time of year and the Fall Colors. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Glacier National Park had never recorded a fatal grizzly bear attack since its creation in 1910. The total mileage is just shy of 12, but it's mostly downhill. Hiking distance covers up to 8 miles with 825 feet elevation change. Were going in late July wish us luck for parking! On Dec. 23, 1969, five men died in an avalanche on Mount Cleveland. Park at Logan's Pass - take your time finding a spot, people are always leaving you just need to be patient. But the views don't change much throughout the route so it's just a lot of walking with lots of other people. You wouldn't need ropes and anchors as most (pretty much all) of the rock in Glacier isn't appropriate to attempt to use such equipment. We were on our own at this point with no hikers nearby. There is a sign here marking the trail. Climbing deaths are not uncommon. Good luck! The hiking trail is in blue and Going-to-the-Sun Road is white. Even the most experienced backcountry enthusiasts can let their guard down, he says. This is in addition to the park entry pass, which costs $35 per vehicle and is good for 7 days. The allure of Glacier Parks peaks captivates experienced and novice climbers alike, and the risks associated with scrambling in the park cannot be overlooked. RimRock section of the trail is about 4 feet wide but in places gets smaller. Help us tell stories like this one and get other great perks by joining the Editors Club for as little as $5 per month. A 27-year-old woman leaned over to get a drink of water at Red Gap Pass in 1998, slipped on a rock and died after falling 150 feet. Gabriel says it's often seemingly benign oversights that contribute to trouble, such as forgetting a life vest, not checking the forecast, being unprepared for the difficulty of a hike or setting off into the wilds alone. Trail of the Cedars to Avalanche Lake is a little less than 6 miles total. Alternatively, you may use, Glacier National Park Hotels and Places to Stay. Glacier is no simple walk in the park, according to park death records dating to 1913. It is easier to get to and from the west side of Glacier, which is where many people stay. Highline Trail Glacier National Park | List | AllTrails In 2012, the NPS launched 2,876 search and rescues nationally. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Individuals age 20 to 29, both male and female, made up 19 percent of those in need of rescue. A helicopter and specialized short-haul rescue team from Parks Canada helped park rangers recover Flores body in the northeast area of the park. We were concerned about the possible wait time for the shuttle at The Loop. "It's not risk free to come to a park like it really is in Disney World.". If you look at the statistics of deaths its fairly low, but falls are certainly one of the elements of risk that you accept whenever you go off trail, Cris Coughlin, owner at Glacier Guides, said. The weather was perfect, so this had a big influence on how good our photos turned out. Once he finally saw the grizzly bear coming toward him, McKnight clambered down the edge of the cliff to avoid the grizzly when the bear appeared 50-feet ahead of him. Planning our first trip to GNP in early Sept 2019 (after Labor Day). Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, 10 Best Things to do in Glacier National Park, The Ultimate Glacier National Park Itinerary for 1 to 5 Days, How to Hike to Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park. His body was transferred to the Flathead County coroner and taken to an area mortuary. Hi. Photos of Highline Trail - Montana | AllTrails Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. I was really confused on how the Highline Loop worked with the shuttle system and this answered all of my questions perfectly. Grinnell Glacier Overlook via Highline Trail - The Outbound The owners of the guest house where George Calvin Adams was staying reported him missing and authorities found his vehicle at the trailhead of Hidden Meadow Trail on June 29, according to a park service statement. Phone: You can do this hike, but I dont think the views are going to be worth the effort to hike up to the Chalet.